Controversial American bloggers Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer were denied entry into the United Kingdom where they were scheduled to speak at an English Defence League (EDL) march in Woolwich. Geller and Spencer respectively author the blogs "Atlas Shrugs" and "Jihad Watch" and are known for their incendiary anti-Islam activism and statements.

@lowles_nick @hopenothate Your victory is complete. Fascism has prevailed. There will be no resistance to jihad terror. Congratulations.Robert Spencer

Many netizens who disagree with Geller and Spencer's views also criticised the government's the decision as counterproductive and anti-free speech:

The UK government may have just turned Pam Geller and Robert Spencer into free speech martyrs. Way to go.James Bloodworth

Allow hatemongers to speak freely. Let us counter them with words instead.Jillian C. York

The EDL, whose rally Geller and Spencer were set to attend, has been at the center of backlash against Britain's Muslim community after the attack in Woolwich. Some British Muslims saw the ban as necessary in light of these incidents:

@jilliancyork unpleasant words and swastikas are being scrubbed off the walls of mosques here. This is not a dialogue it is a demonisation.shahed yousaf

I'm generally not for banning people, but May's ban on Geller and Spencer is spot on. They spread hatred, which leads to violence eg BrevikSarah Joseph